HARRY Knows just keeps on breaking records and adding achievements to his already lengthy roll of honour.
The durable eight-year-old has been in the form of his life in 2025. He equalled the Irish record for one mile at Annaghmore last Sunday. Once Kane pulled out at the three-quarter pole, the home-bred simply drew further and further clear.
The winner won unchallenged although ‘the wee mare from Ballyclare’, Feugeres Erem put in her true run for second with usual coachman Sean Kane.
The previous mark of 1.59.4 was set in 2016 which indicates how hard it is for a trotter to break two minutes. Taking nothing away from the previous outright holder, Christy Dunne’s Yke Starlake, Annaghmore in recent seasons has been a safer surface than Portmarnock, but therefore not as fast.
Harry Knows was trailing 35 yards from the gate horse. Most drivers carry stopwatches and the talk was that Harry Knows trotted 1.57.8 post to post.
Either way, his exploits have brought excitement to the late season. Harry Knows has knocked For A Few Dollars More off his perch as ‘most mentions in The Irish Field’.
Strengthened his grip
The human side of the partnership, Patrick Kane jnr, strengthened his grip on The Irish Field silver salver for leading driver as he steered a double on the day.
Patrick kicked off by driving Colm Dempsey’s Grace (evens best) to lose her maiden tag in a typical October time of 2.04.5.
Grace’s dam Pangellica took a while to master the racing job and, as a three-year-old, Grace is more precocious. She is a short-coupled, little filly but wants to run which is half the battle.
Aidan Caffrey trains the winner at The Ward, Ashbourne. As the late Jim Murdock used to say “she’s an autumn type”. The filly is by Betting Line, a product of the IHRA ‘Invest In Ourselves’ scheme.
Aidan’s cousin John Richardson is having his quietest year for some time. The unassuming trainer at the Meadowbranch yard near Blakes Cross will be pleased that Kermesse Du Croq (3/1) ended his winner drought on the day.
John made plenty of use of the five-year-old mare, making most of the running. Kermesse Du Croq had the guts to fend off the useful Emil Paco (5/4), who was priced to sell as a €1,750 Grade F claimer.
Inaya De Mongochy impressed the ‘railbirds’ in the Grade C to D trot. Homa (Patrick Kane jnr) was put in short for this as drawn ‘1’ over a mile is her game.
However, once catch driver Dan McAteer chirped at Inaya Mongochy, she quickened up like a good thing. Some Ashbourne-based backers enjoyed a nice touch in the ring.
The mare is two from two in Ireland to go with two wins in her homeland for owner/breeder Françoise Drouilly. Italia Du Mont (John Richardson) posted her best run for some time in second.
Well travelled
Always Skye has been well travelled this season. She started the season in view of Rathlin Island with owner Lawrence Stewart and then spent August peering over at Sherkin Island in the Murphy, Baltimore yard.
Tadhg and Eoin did get a tune from Always Skye, although she was winless in five runs going into Sunday.
The mare is back at home with Lawrence and Jonny Cowden was reinstated in the bike on Sunday. Even by Jonny’s high standards ‘Skye’ gave him some spin. Watch the replay on Irish Harness Racing You Tube channel and you’ll wonder if Jonny had a motor under the sulky seat. Lady Lou (Troy McAleer 4/5 favourite) was second on a day where the beloved satchel men came off best.
Always Skye posted 1.59.3, some clock for a mare in October, and obviously faster off a 40-yard trail. “She is so tough, she has raced at nearly every meeting and she’s still running well,” said Coleraine-based Lawrence.
Recent Welsh import Lakeside Legend (3/1) sprang a surprise in the F and E pace. The skewbald sensation Sweet Royalty was walloped in the ring, but met loads of traffic from the ‘8-hole’ with driver Bernard Nicholson.
Troy McAleer got first run with Lakeside Legend and, try as she might, the pacing pinto couldn’t peg back Thomas Kiely’s six-year-old. The runner-up lost little in defeat and is obviously top class.
Drifted
Mark Kane and Darragh Mitchell’s Kepi De Chrismi drifted in the betting for the Grade D to F trot, presumably because he has galloped on occasion.
When he stays down, the big chesnut can trot for fun and he made it two wins from three runs with a faultless round of trotting.
Hallucinant was second for JR with stable companion Jelina Benoit (Sean Kane) in third. Perhaps the Meadowbranch monster is coming alive for the last few meetings?
Mark Kane is a fine driver in his own right. “You have to kid him into doing what you want, but he has a very big engine,” was the summary from the sulky seat.
The meeting opened with the familiar sight of Making Memories (Calvin Broughan) casually beating Mr Castlewood who has a lovely economical action. Making Memories has won €15,000 in his first year at the races, a nice example for anyone thinking of investing in a young trotter.
“He is just getting more professional every week,” said Cabra-born Calvin.
Finally, a correction. Last week’s Jack Galway Cup winner was stated as Kirio Scott-owned by Willie John Cooke. The horse is actually owned by Ger Cooke.
Racing continues Sunday 19th and Sunday 26th at Annaghmore Raceway, Junction 13 M1 or eight miles west of Richhill.
Runners, results and information at www.irishharnessracimg.com
FOLLOWING some astronomical prices for pacing yearlings mainly in 2022 and 2023, the overall trend for yearlings steadied a bit at last Saturday’s York Sales at Mick Welling’s Camden Equestrian Centre.
The sale was not helped by the absence of the Oakwood yearlings from Offaly. The breeder sold this year’s crop through a US-based online auction.
Not surprisingly, the top lot was Ayrospace, a sister to Ayroplane and Ayrodrome who have dominated their divisions in 2024 and 2025, Stephen Gallagher, Ireland was the buyer at £18,500.
Tom McKenzie of Scotland consigned Always A Secret, like Ayrospace by Always B Miki and this lot was the top-priced colt. Ned Stafford from North Dublin was the buyer at £13,000 and he is closely aligned with Troy McAleer.
Paddy Kane has enjoyed success with Rhyds Scoundrel and Rhyds Super Fly, both by Ski and See. Paddy went back to the fountainhead and signed for Hit The Road Jack (o.o Brown Eyed Girl) and Rhyds Kandyman (o.o Fool For You)
The Coalford Stud draft from Sunderland sold well. Jim Stewart bought Coalford Spellbound, a lovely individual for £10,000. The Roches from Cloghran have winkled out some pearls at this sale and John snr had his hand up at the right moment for Coalford at £9,000. The Red Baron, Billy Roche will have the colt mouthed as you read this.
Patrick Manning from Limerick may have picked up a bargain in the shape of Amazon Quest (f. Arts Conquest - Brat) who made £4,200.